Number of women in the workforce at an all-time high

WOMEN'S participation in the workforce is at an all-time high in NSW but there is still much work to be done on gender equality, according to the findings of a new report.

Released yesterday, Women in NSW 2015is an evidence based report that provides a snapshot of how women in NSW are tracking across a number of indicators including health and wellbeing, work and financial security, leadership, education and training and safety and justice.

Encouragingly, it shows women in NSW have many favourable health outcomes including a longer life expectancy, less obesity and lower smoking and drinking rates than men.

The proportion of teenage mothers is declining, and the proportion of women who want to work more hours is growing.

However, the report also shows that young women are 2.8 times more likely than young men to be hospitalised for self-harm.

Minister for Women Pru Goward said it was only through quality research, data and analysis that governments can formulate policies and programs that will bring about change and make women's lives better.

"Now in its fourth year, the report looks at how NSW women are faring, and identifies where there is still work to be done to address inequality for women," Ms Goward said.

Other notable findings of the report include:

Two out of five people starting and completing apprenticeships and traineeships are women

The gap between what men and women earn is increasing in NSW and is now 19.3%.

On in four seats in NSW Parliament is held by a woman

The imprisonment rate for women is 14 times lower than for men

Sexual discrimination in employment is 5.5 times more likely for women than men